Legendary CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, 92, long known as the "Most Trusted Man in America," is gravely ill, according to multiple CBS News sources
According to the Media Bistro blog TVNewser, the network began updating his obituary more than a week ago, though CBS News executive designated to speak on Cronkite's behalf, had no comment.
One of the most recognized and honored journalists in America, Cronkite anchored "CBS Evening News" for 19 years, until 1981, when he was forced to retire to be replaced by Dan Rather. Cronkite remained a special correspondent for the network through the years.
The St. Joseph, Mo., native got his start as a battlefield correspondent during World War II for the United Press. In 1950 he came to CBS radio as a Washington correspondent.
Cronkite jumped into the fledgling TV news world in 1962 when he was named anchor of the then 15-minute "CBS Evening News," which became the first 30-minute network newcast the following year with Cronkite at the anchor desk.
In addition to leading the "Evening News" to perpetual first-place ratings, Cronkite's gave the country one of the best-known catch phrases in TV history with his nightly sign-off, "And that's the way it is..."
